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New York: Club Kids: By Waltpaper
The embodiment of Generation X, the Club Kids were the last subculture of the analog world
New York: Club Kids is a high-impact visual diary of New York City in the 1990s, seen through the eyes of Walt Cassidy, known as Waltpaper, a central figure within the Club Kids. The Club Kids―named thus by New York Magazine in 1988―were an artistic, fashion-conscious youth movement that crossed over into the public consciousness through appearances on daytime talk shows, magazine editorials, fashion campaigns and music videos, planting the seeds for popular cultural trends such as reality television, self-branding, “influencers” and the gender revolution.
Known for their outrageous looks, legendary parties and sometimes illicit antics, the Club Kids were the embodiment of Generation X and would prove to be the last definitive subculture group of the analog world. The ’90s have come to be known as the last discernible and cohesive decade, cherished by those who experienced it and romanticized by those who missed it.
The first comprehensive visual document of ’90s nightlife and street culture, New York: Club Kids grants special access to an underground world, providing exclusive insight into the lifestyle of this celebrated and notorious clique. Featuring rare and previously unseen photographs along with magazine editorials and ephemera, the book culls from the personal archives of various photographers and artists―some celebrated, and many others whose recognition is long overdue.
New York: Club Kids is a high-impact visual diary of New York City in the 1990s, seen through the eyes of Walt Cassidy, known as Waltpaper, a central figure within the Club Kids. The Club Kids―named thus by New York Magazine in 1988―were an artistic, fashion-conscious youth movement that crossed over into the public consciousness through appearances on daytime talk shows, magazine editorials, fashion campaigns and music videos, planting the seeds for popular cultural trends such as reality television, self-branding, “influencers” and the gender revolution.
Known for their outrageous looks, legendary parties and sometimes illicit antics, the Club Kids were the embodiment of Generation X and would prove to be the last definitive subculture group of the analog world. The ’90s have come to be known as the last discernible and cohesive decade, cherished by those who experienced it and romanticized by those who missed it.
The first comprehensive visual document of ’90s nightlife and street culture, New York: Club Kids grants special access to an underground world, providing exclusive insight into the lifestyle of this celebrated and notorious clique. Featuring rare and previously unseen photographs along with magazine editorials and ephemera, the book culls from the personal archives of various photographers and artists―some celebrated, and many others whose recognition is long overdue.
375 pages, Hardcover
First published November 26, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 21, 2023
This book is everything!
It’s a deep dive, front row view into the history of the New York club life in the early 90’s from one of the infamous Club Kids, Walt Cassidy, otherwise known as Waltpaper. For once the whole story feels fully fleshed out with Walt’s words and 100’s of visual memorabilia and photography from dozens of contributors, artists, and photographers. This book is so immersive and beautiful. A true treasure to the life and times of the New York Club Kids.
It’s a deep dive, front row view into the history of the New York club life in the early 90’s from one of the infamous Club Kids, Walt Cassidy, otherwise known as Waltpaper. For once the whole story feels fully fleshed out with Walt’s words and 100’s of visual memorabilia and photography from dozens of contributors, artists, and photographers. This book is so immersive and beautiful. A true treasure to the life and times of the New York Club Kids.
January 21, 2024
My copy is the pared-down second edition that includes the original text, plus Walt's art in lieu of the photographs that were in the first edition. The Club Kids is a great overview of the New York club scene and its players spanning from the late 80s to the mid-90s. I really appreciate the emphasis on creative expression in this book.
February 1, 2024
Read the newest addition of this text from Walt Cassidy Studio. I own the original coffee table version but mostly just look at all the amazing photography in that one. Walt’s writing style is beautiful. I feel like I really got to know him through his writing. I enjoyed this book so much and am so glad that I now own it and will definitely revisit it again and again. His personal experience of the Club Kids era was really refreshing and gave me a new perspective, free from the exaggerations of Hollywood and James St James. I’ve always been fascinated by this particular moment in history and how it’s shaped the rave scene and the music festivals I’ve been apart of myself for the past decade. It truly did all start with them. What a time to be alive and in your 20s! I can only imagine. I’m sad that I missed out but thankful that I’ve had my own amazing experiences because of what the Club Kids started.
July 19, 2021
Everything I wanted and more. Thank you for this book ❤️
April 20, 2024
Super interesting-think I read a more recent edition which contains just the text. New edition doesn’t seem to be on Goodreads
July 1, 2024
Best creat be book to read as a makeup artist
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews